Four years ago when Kimberly was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM, grade 4) brain cancer, we had no idea where God would take our family, nor how He would care for us during that time. Many stories of God's healing and provision have been journaled at her Caringbridge site.
One of the many scripture passages that became real to us during these past four years was Matthew 5:1-10 (The Message):
We were set on a course where we would begin to discover "glimpses" of what it meant to "follow Jesus". And 2nd, who were the "least of these"? We began to experience how to love and be loved as we learned to be included in that community.
While we had pursued "serving" God for many years, such efforts had been met with frustration and apathy. After Kimberly was diagnosed, together as a family, we decided to only do things that would "make a difference". The 1st was obvious, that being to use our position and influence to raise money for the fight against brain cancer through Run for the Rose. From a medical perspective, there is very little medical hope for these patients. Our goal was to not only bring hope for this life but also hope for a new way of living.
2nd, Kimberly with the heart of a MOM, and as a family, we answered a call to serve at-risk children in the City of Houston through soccer camps. Again, using resources and the influence of our community Grace Presbyterian Church, Mission Houston, Sportquest Training, etc) God began to teach us what it meant to be a follower of Jesus.
The foundations of our faith were not just shaken, but were rebuilt and placed on the Rock... and the course of our lives was irrevocably altered. Kimberly, did not just sit back and "deal" with her situation, she leaned into the Healer and all that He had in store for her. Through her, we really began to understand what it meant to love... that began with giving of ourselves. And so the mission of The Kickin' with Kimberly Foundation was put into action.
Today, as we appear to near the near the end of Kimberly's life here on this earth, the mission that was begun, continues in our family and community. The Kickin' with Kimberly Foundation has been established as a not-for-profit entity under the Houston Christian Foundation a 501c3 entity. Contributions will be directed by our family to the continued fight against brain cancer and for programs that reach children at-risk. All donations are tax deductible.
This blog will be used to tell the ongoing story... as well as a place to reveal some of the details that we have waited to tell until "the right time".
So, welcome, I hope that through this blog, you not only catch a glimpse of the work that God is doing in the life of our family and community, but that you would also choose to let this story influence you.
Terry Richter
One of the many scripture passages that became real to us during these past four years was Matthew 5:1-10 (The Message):
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. "
We were set on a course where we would begin to discover "glimpses" of what it meant to "follow Jesus". And 2nd, who were the "least of these"? We began to experience how to love and be loved as we learned to be included in that community.
While we had pursued "serving" God for many years, such efforts had been met with frustration and apathy. After Kimberly was diagnosed, together as a family, we decided to only do things that would "make a difference". The 1st was obvious, that being to use our position and influence to raise money for the fight against brain cancer through Run for the Rose. From a medical perspective, there is very little medical hope for these patients. Our goal was to not only bring hope for this life but also hope for a new way of living.
2nd, Kimberly with the heart of a MOM, and as a family, we answered a call to serve at-risk children in the City of Houston through soccer camps. Again, using resources and the influence of our community Grace Presbyterian Church, Mission Houston, Sportquest Training, etc) God began to teach us what it meant to be a follower of Jesus.
The foundations of our faith were not just shaken, but were rebuilt and placed on the Rock... and the course of our lives was irrevocably altered. Kimberly, did not just sit back and "deal" with her situation, she leaned into the Healer and all that He had in store for her. Through her, we really began to understand what it meant to love... that began with giving of ourselves. And so the mission of The Kickin' with Kimberly Foundation was put into action.
Today, as we appear to near the near the end of Kimberly's life here on this earth, the mission that was begun, continues in our family and community. The Kickin' with Kimberly Foundation has been established as a not-for-profit entity under the Houston Christian Foundation a 501c3 entity. Contributions will be directed by our family to the continued fight against brain cancer and for programs that reach children at-risk. All donations are tax deductible.
This blog will be used to tell the ongoing story... as well as a place to reveal some of the details that we have waited to tell until "the right time".
So, welcome, I hope that through this blog, you not only catch a glimpse of the work that God is doing in the life of our family and community, but that you would also choose to let this story influence you.
Terry Richter
